Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)vsApple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Apple
AirPods 4 ANC
5.2
5.2/10$179
WINNER
Apple
AirPods Max (USB-C)
5.6
5.6/10$549
AI
AI Matrix
Powered by Claude AIApple AirPods Max (USB-C) narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the clear pick.
5 Reasons Why Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) Is Better
- 1.Larger battery: 2,400mAh vs 280mAh (+757%)
- 2.Longer battery life: 20h vs 4h
- 3.Better display rating: 3.7 vs 0.0
- 4.Better battery score: 1.8 vs 0.2
- 5.Higher overall score: 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10
Score Comparison
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Score Breakdown
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
5.0
Codec Quality25% weight
5.0Tied
9.4
Price20% weight
8.2Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) wins
0.2
Battery Life20% weight
1.8Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) wins
10.0
Noise Cancellation15% weight
10.0Tied
0.0
Driver Size10% weight
3.7Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) wins
5.0
Water Resistance10% weight
5.0Tied
Scores are relative within the headphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)
✓ Pros
- ●Better value for money
- ●Water resistant (IP54)
✗ Cons
- ●Shorter battery life
- ●Lower display score
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)
Winner✓ Pros
- ●Better display quality
- ●Superior battery life
- ●Water resistant (IPX4)
✗ Cons
- ●Higher price tag
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) | Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)W |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear | Over-ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9mm | 40mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | — |
| ANC | true | true |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| EQ App | No | Apple Settings (Personalized Spatial Audio) |
| Touch Controls | Yes (force sensor) | Yes (Digital Crown, button) |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Battery Life | 4hrs | 20hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 20hrs | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | false | false |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Weight | 4.3g✓ | 385g |
| Colors | White, Black | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, Orange |
| Price | 179$✓ | 549$ |
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if…
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if…
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Community Vote
Who do you think wins this matchup?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) — FAQ
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) vs Apple AirPods Max (USB-C): which is better?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) narrowly beats the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) in the headphones category, particularly in display, scoring 5.6/10 vs 5.2/10. If you want the better overall performer, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is the clear pick.
Is Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) better than Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
No, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) scores higher (5.1 vs 4.0).
Which is cheaper, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is cheaper at $179 vs $549 for the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C).
Who should buy the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)?
Choose the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Who should buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Which has better battery life, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) has a larger battery (2,400mAh vs 280mAh for the Apple AirPods 4 (ANC)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Which lasts longer, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) lasts longer with 20 hours vs 4 hours for the other.
Which is lighter, Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) or Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)?
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) is lighter at 4.3g vs 385g.
